CD review: Dean Brody, Dirt

Dean Brody is a singer/songwriter but Dirt is a prime example of why his songwriting should receive top billing — the man is a wordsmith who paints wonderful pictures with his lyrics. Although he isn’t immune from using the industry formula of a good hook in a chorus, Brady more often than not reaches out and melds real life with imagination to put a personal stamp on his music.

The first single from the album, Canadian Girls, is a full bore country party tune. Granted, it does have a great hook in the chorus but the lyrics definitely strike a chord with any Canadian who grew up in a hockey household.

Songs that leap from the pack are It’s Friday, Bob Marley and That’s Your Cousin. It’s Friday features Alan Doyle, Sean McCann and Bob Hallett of Great Big Sea and it’s a fun, toe-tapping song. Bob Marley is interesting simply because who would think a reggae star would inspire a country artist from Canada? And then there’s That’s Your Cousin, a widely amusing tune about two teens having their romantic notions nipped in the bud by the discovery that they’re related.

Not all the songs hit the mark — the title track, while relating to some early life experiences, was to juvenile for me. Brody feels the song is strong and he may be right but on this one we’ll have to agree to disagree.

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